In the past, I have posted comments encouraging folks to go full-time rather than part-time.

Recently, I've been exploring a concept that might bridge some of the issues.

It is a part-time real estate division.

The way it would work is that folks who participate would be required to do the following:

* Pair-up with another agent with a schedule opposite their's -- ie. someone who works weekdays would pair with someone who is off weekdays. The purpose of the pairing is to provide coverage for clients. Agents could decide if they would concept each other for covering the other. They would advertise together and give out business cards with both names & contact info.

* Attend office meetings twice a month on Saturdays for 2 hours. The meetings would consist of two components: A part for announcements, sharing of needs, brief training, and motivation. A second portion consisting of hands-on training: how to write a contract, use the MLS, do a net sheet, etc. Participants would be required to attend 3 out of 4 meetings in a two month period or face probation.

* There would be a designated division manager who would be highly accessible by cell phone.

The concept would be to provide adequate training for competence and bridge the coverage issues that afflict part-time agents. Also, the Saturday meeting structure is designed to connect them with the agency, avoiding the disconnect that is so prevalent with part-time agents. It provides me some comfort that there would be sufficient training and supervision to minimize liability issues.

Those of you who are part-time, would such a structure have some appeal?? If so, why? If not, why not?

Steve,

I do feel that these suggestions are great ideas. It is for those who are interested in keeping this job/ career and perhaps possibly moving into FT though. I have seen too many PT agents who couldnt care less about the office, the manager, etc.

I especially like the Saturday meetings because that they be an option for them who cannot attend a regular meeting. I might do it early in the morning though, just in case they have showings (have to work) later in the day.

The partnership is a great idea. However, in the real world, it is not quite possible to divide everything fair and square. Then one agent will feel he/she works more than the other. Then ill feelings start. We're just humans.

About the division manager who is highly accessible through phones, isnt that what's expected anyway from both part and full-time agents? If I only could get a hold of my broker/ manager during normal business hours, I think I'd be a little unhappy.

I think Saturday meetings are a BAD idea unless like Fatmaxx said, they are EARLY - my Saturdays are usually very busy and the first day that clients want me to take them out.

So, early morning Saturday meetings - say 8 am until 9:30 am or, at the latest, 10 am. Or, maybe, go 7:30 am until 9 am??

I personally would be tempted to go once a month. But, I'd be concerned that would be too long in-between, creating drift and lengthening the learning curve. I wonder if there might be other options. Any ideas??

My understanding of the concept on the manager is that they are just devoted to the Part-time Division folks, ie. unlike the broker their interest is not spread over the entire company or office.

The problems with pairing are important. The company I know that does this requires it for coverage. My understanding is that most of their agents don't exchange money, just coverage.

Personally, I'd be more apt to go if the meeting were kept shorter. One hour should be sufficient if the meeting coordinator keeps idle chit chat and rabbit trails to a minimum.

Rather than have just one time, I would have a couple of times for agents to choose from, such as Sat morning or Thursday evening...

The very nature of our business requires us to be very flexible with our schedules.

Perky,

One issue I want to address is basic sales training: How to write a contract. How to do a listing presentation. How to use the MLS system. How to negotiate. How to do a CMA.

I envision most of the meetings to be that kind of practical, hands-on training.

Right now, in my area, my sense is that most part-time folks lack basic training because of their competing work schedule/other demands. I'd like to make it as easy to get that training as possible.

The idea of multiple meetings is interesting. The trick would be to have enough attendees to justify.

My office does multiple training meetings, one in the afternoon and another one two days later in the evening. The owner does it even if only one person is able to come as she is committed to helping the new agents succeed.

I think a lot of folks lack basic training due to lack of broker interest, myself. lol

Steve,

This is a great idea! The main problems will occur with pairing two agents together. Like someone already said, it can be a battle about who does more work on a specific transaction. I think it could definitely work though. As long as the two agents agree to split commissions right down the middle, no matter how much work each one does.

For example, if Agent B obtains a new client by a listing appointment, then Agent C can help that client with other things. They just need to cooperate and respect one another.

Some may consider me a part-time agent, but I put in just as many hours as others in our office, they just happen to be at different times. I do not work another full time position, but I do stay home, for the most part, with my son. I try to schedule meetings/showings when my husband is home. So for me, actually an evening meeting would work much better than a Saturday morning. Saturdays are days for showings and soccer:)

morealtor make an interesting point. If you were signed up in a part-time division, would you prefer evening or Saturday training/office meetings?

I would prefer evening training. Then my husband would be home with the kids and I would not have to pay a babysitter - and Saturday could be free to either do things needed with the kids or to go out on appointments with customers.

What type of weekly hourly commitment would a part-timer be looking at?

The idea would be to allow them to coordinate their schedule with a partner so that their clients get "full-time" service.

Very nice idea. In fact, I think it's ideal for beginners who fear about quitting a job. They might have the time to get into it until they take off. Brilliant.